Pretty in Petite standing tall in all-island start-up competition
An online fashion boutique from Northern Ireland which specialises in clothing for petite women has won a coveted place in the final round of the AIB Start-Up Academy and a chance to share in a prize package valued at over €250k.
Pretty in Petite which has offices in Belfast and Ballymoney and serves customers across the world, competed against 400 other start-ups across the island of Ireland to win a place in the final of the competition which provides new companies with training and to nurture and grow their burgeoning businesses.
Laura Nagamine, founder and owner of Pretty in Petite will now compete against 21 other finalists from across the island to claim a place on an intensive eight week training programme where they will be mentored and coached by AIB, The Irish Times and a panel of business experts. There will be three prize packages valued at over €250k in total. This includes a €20k cash investment for the overall winner and an advertising and mentorship package for each of the two runners-up.
Edel McCooe, Regional Manager at First Trust Bank said; “We were delighted to host the AIB Start-Up Academy when it came to Belfast for the first time late last year. Laura was one of the local companies who shared her 5 minute elevator pitch with the audience and we are delighted that her creative and innovative spirit caught the eye of the judges too. The AIB Start-Up Academy is a great forum for start-ups to develop their network and get the advice and support they need to grow their businesses and we wish Laura the best of luck as she enters the final stage of the competition.”
Laura Nagamine from Pretty in Petite added; “I’m thrilled that Pretty in Petite is through to the final round of the AIB Start-Up Academy. We have been competing against some of the brightest start-ups from across Ireland and making it down to the final 22 out of over 400 is a great honour in itself.”
